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During the late 1980s, I set out on a budget travel adventure to Europe with a companion. Because my friend was considering pursuing a master’s degree in NYC, we had arranged a 14-day stopover there on the way to London.

We arrived at the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS called International House. After dropping our bags, we went directly to the cafeteria, where we picked up meals, found a table, and engaged in conversation with other diners.

Beside me was an individual of Iraqi origin studying engineering at an Ivy League institution. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had newly finished with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He mentioned that there was an electron microscope unit at the institution – right next door to the engineering department, which was why he was aware of it. He suggested that I should apply for a role with them. I dismissed the idea, saying that I was about to fly to Europe and, even more importantly, I did not possess a US visa.

The following day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that after dark. The engineering student walked over to me and informed me that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Given that he had gone to the trouble, I attended the interview – but right away told my interviewer that I lacked the necessary visa, so I was unable to accept the role.

Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where opportunities abound – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I missed my plane to London.

I held that position for three years. A perk of the job was that I also received no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to finish a postgrad program in international relations.

We didn't cross paths after that and I don’t even know his full name, but his remarkable generosity transformed my future in multiple respects. I would never have had the confidence or nerve to reach out at an Ivy League university and request employment. And, I had long dreamed to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that tuition waiver.

What's more, that job in New York paved the way for a role in Europe where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.

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